Uganda Visa Requirements & Online Visa Application

Planning a safari to Uganda? Known as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda offers extraordinary wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Before travelling, it is important to understand Uganda’s visa and entry requirements. Most international travellers who require a visa must obtain their visa approval online before travelling to Uganda, while nationals of certain countries are exempt from visa requirements.

At Onyx Nature Safaris, we help travellers plan seamless Uganda safari experiences, from airport transfers and accommodation to gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris and tailor-made journeys across the country.

 

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Uganda?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and passport type.

Travellers from countries that are not on Uganda’s official visa-exempt list generally need to apply for a Uganda visa online before travelling.

Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control advises travellers to use only the official Uganda Electronic Visa and Permit System when applying for a visa.

Apply for your Uganda visa through the official government portal:

https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Avoid unofficial websites or agents claiming to issue Ugandan visas, as these may charge additional fees or may not be legitimate.

 

Uganda Tourist Visa Requirements

The ordinary Uganda tourist visa is intended for visitors travelling to Uganda for tourism, including wildlife safaris, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, holidays and other short-term visits.

For a standard tourist visa application, you may be required to provide:

• A passport with at least 6 months validity
• A clear copy of your passport biodata page
• A recent passport-size photograph
• A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Your safari itinerary or travel plan
• Accommodation or hotel booking details
• Travel or flight itinerary
• Any additional documents requested by Uganda Immigration
• A valid email address
• Payment of the applicable visa fee

Uganda Immigration may request additional documentation depending on your nationality, travel purpose or individual circumstances.

All documents uploaded during the application should generally be in English.

 

How to Apply for a Uganda Visa Online

Uganda’s visa application process is completed online through the official immigration portal.

Step 1: Visit the official Uganda e-Visa portal

Go to:

https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Select “Start a New Application.”

 

Step 2: Select your visa category

Choose the appropriate visa type and category for your journey. For most safari travellers, this will be the ordinary tourist visa.

 

Step 3: Complete the application form

Enter your personal information, passport details, travel information and other requested details carefully.

Make sure that your name and passport information exactly match the information on your passport.

 

Step 4: Upload your documents

Upload the required supporting documents, including your passport biodata page, photograph, Yellow Fever certificate and relevant travel or accommodation information.

 

Step 5: Submit your application

Review your information carefully before submitting the application.

Once submitted, you will receive an application reference number. Keep this number safe so that you can track your application.

 

Step 6: Pay the visa fee

Pay the applicable visa fee through the official immigration system.

 

Step 7: Wait for approval

Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive an approval letter electronically.

Download and print your approval letter and carry it with you when travelling to Uganda.

 

How Much Does a Uganda Tourist Visa Cost?

The standard Uganda ordinary/tourist visa costs USD 50.

Visa fees are generally non-refundable, and additional bank or payment charges may apply.

Because immigration fees and requirements can change, travellers should always confirm the amount displayed on the official Uganda Immigration portal before making payment.

 

How Long Is a Uganda Tourist Visa Valid?

A Uganda single-entry tourist visa can be granted for up to 3 months.

The visa approval authorisation is generally valid for 90 days from the date of approval, so travellers should plan to enter Uganda within the validity period stated on their approval.

 

East Africa Tourist Visa

If you are planning to visit several countries in East Africa, the East Africa Tourist Visa may be a convenient option.

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows tourism travel between:

• Uganda
• Kenya
• Rwanda

The visa costs USD 100 and is valid for 90 days.

It allows multiple entries within Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda during its validity, subject to the applicable immigration rules.

The East Africa Tourist Visa does not include Tanzania.

The country through which you enter the East Africa region should normally be the country that issues the visa.

For example, if Uganda is your first destination, you should apply through Uganda’s immigration system.

 

Uganda Visa-Exempt Countries

Citizens of certain countries and territories do not require a visa to enter Uganda.

Uganda’s current official visa-exempt list includes:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Botswana
• Burundi
• Comoros
• Cyprus
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Eritrea
• Fiji
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Grenada
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Sudan
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Eswatini
• Tonga
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tanzania
• United Arab Emirates
• Vanuatu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Hong Kong SAR

Visa exemption rules can change, and different rules may apply to diplomatic, official or other special passport types.

We recommend checking your nationality on the official Uganda Immigration website before travelling.

 

Yellow Fever Requirements for Uganda

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is an important travel requirement for Uganda.

Travellers should carry their Yellow Fever vaccination certificate with their travel documents, as it may be requested by airline officials or immigration authorities.

If you are receiving the vaccination for the first time, it is recommended to receive it at least 10 days before travelling.

Travellers who cannot receive the vaccination for medical reasons should obtain the appropriate medical exemption documentation and confirm its acceptance before travelling.

 

Can I Get a Uganda Visa on Arrival?

Travellers who require a Ugandan visa should not rely on obtaining a visa on arrival.

Uganda requires visa applications to be made online through the official immigration system before travel.

Airlines may request evidence of visa approval before allowing a passenger to board a flight to Uganda.

For a smooth journey, we strongly recommend completing your visa application well before your departure date.

 

Entering Uganda Through Entebbe International Airport

Most international visitors arriving by air enter Uganda through Entebbe International Airport.

On arrival, travellers proceed through immigration and present their passport and relevant travel documentation.

If you are travelling with Onyx Nature Safaris, our team can arrange your airport transfer and welcome you upon arrival before you begin your Uganda safari.

Before travelling to Uganda:

• Apply through the official government visa portal.
• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
• Make sure your application information exactly matches your passport.
• Upload clear and readable documents.
• Keep your visa approval letter with you when travelling.
• Carry your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
• Do not send visa payments to unofficial individuals or personal accounts.
• Check the latest immigration requirements before departure.

Visa regulations can change, so travellers should always verify the latest information with the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda before travelling.

 

Plan Your Uganda Safari With Onyx Nature Safaris

Your Uganda adventure begins long before you arrive.

Whether you are dreaming of standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, tracking chimpanzees in Kibale, watching elephants and lions on the savannah, exploring the mighty Murchison Falls or cruising along the Kazinga Channel, Onyx Nature Safaris can help you create an unforgettable journey through Uganda.

We specialise in tailor-made Uganda safaris, gorilla trekking, wildlife experiences, chimpanzee tracking, birding safaris, airport transfers and carefully planned journeys across East Africa.

Your Safari, Your Story.

 

Ready to explore Uganda?

Contact Onyx Nature Safaris today and let us help you plan your African adventure.

Book Your Uganda Safari | Request a Quote | Contact Us

 

Official Resources

For the most up-to-date immigration information, always refer to the official Uganda government sources:

Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control:
https://www.immigration.go.ug/

Official Uganda e-Visa Portal:
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Visa fees, entry requirements and immigration regulations may change. Travellers are responsible for confirming the current requirements applicable to their nationality and passport before travelling.